Lincoln comes to the army

In early April of 1863 President Lincoln paid a visit to the Army of the Potomac. Below is one of the accounts from his visit. Enjoy.

(April 7th) President Lincoln visited the various encampments and our regiment was drawn up in line to receive him. He was accompanies by a large number of generals and their staffs with a regiment of lancers following behind as a body guard. President Lincoln wore a tall black hat, his feet nearly reached the ground, and his great height, clothing in civilian dress as he was, in striking contrast with the rest of the company. As he passed along the front of the line, the regiment presented arms, the drum corps played and the boys all joined in giving lusty cheers. President Lincoln returned the salute by raising his hat. The visit was preceded by a humorous event which occurred as the President and retinue passed through the regimental street to reach the parade ground. In this street a limb of a tree projected over the street, high enough for the ordinary man mounted, wearing a military hat, to pass under, but the tall hat of which Lincoln wore came in contact with that limb, and the hat fell to the ground. An orderly promptly handed the hat to that owner, who replaced it on his head, this was in plane view of the regiment and a smile passed along the line as a result.
J.P Fahey, 12th New Hampshire, Bowman’s Brigade, Whipple’s, Division, 3rd Corps